What Are the Benefits of Chayote?

by Robert Hughes

Chayote is often cooked with seasoning due to its mild flavor.

Chayote is a gourd plant, eaten in similar fashion to the summer squash, cucumbers and melons. You can add raw chayote to salads or cook them in meat or vegetarian dishes. The whole plant including the fruit, stem and leaves contains multiple nutrients and has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of high-blood pressure, kidney stones and indigestion. Chayote can also help support weight loss efforts, as it is low in calories and fibrous.

Aids Weight Loss

A whole chayote only has 38.6 calories and 0.1 grams of fat. The high water content and fiber help keep you fuller for longer without taking in a lot of calories. You can eat chayote as a snack to keep hunger at bay and stay within your daily calorie intake. Due to the fruit's soft texture, you can use chayote to bulk up a salad or add it to a smoothie.

Provides Essential Vitamins

Chayote is an abundant source of folate and vitamin C. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for female fertility and cancer prevention. Taken before and during pregnancy, it reduces the risk of neural tube birth defects. A whole chayote contributes 189 micrograms of folate to your diet, which amounts to about 50 percent of your recommended daily allowance. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, which may increase the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. A chayote contains 15.6 micrograms of vitamin C, which amounts to 26 percent of your RDA.

Source Of Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are required in small amounts on a daily basis to help maintain a healthy metabolism, immune system and strong bones. Chayote contains the trace minerals zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Trace minerals make up part of the body's hormones and enzymes. A chayote provides 1 milligram of zinc -- 7 percent of your daily value. Zinc plays a role in wound healing and supports proper sense of taste and smell. Calcium and magnesium keep bones strong, and potassium supports nerve and muscle function.

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About the Author

Robert Hughes has been a writer since 2009, contributing to "The Daily Telegraph." He has also worked as a community nutritionist for a sports rehabilitation facility in the United Kingdom. Hughes holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and a Master of Science in human nutrition.

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